You likely have better things to do with your money than to prepay a low-rate, tax-deductible debt such as a mortgage. Only about half of homeowners receive any tax benefit from their mortgages. Many don’t pay enough interest on their loans to itemize their deductions, either because their mortgages are… read more →
So, you’ve got it bad for “the one” — you know, the one that keeps you awake at night fantasizing about the day when you can be together. Wait a second. We aren’t talking about that one — we’re referring to a different kind of love affair: a “home crush.”… read more →
For housing, it was a tale of two halves in 2013. During the first half, unusually low supplies of homes and low rates spurred bidding wars, pushing prices up sharply. During the second half, the frenzy cooled amid a sudden spike in interest rates. While more markets are now reporting… read more →
The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit 4.23 percent this week, the lowest since November. U.S. mortgage rates for 30-year loans fell for a fifth week as stock market volatility and weaker-than-expected economic reports drove investors to the safety of the government bonds that guide borrowing costs. The… read more →
For many people, New Year’s resolutions often lose their motivational power by the middle of January. But unlike a commitment to save more or eat less, a resolution to refinance can be accomplished within a few weeks and you can reap the benefits for the rest of the year and… read more →
When you move into a rental, you know you’ll have to pay the rent each month. But what about your pet? Four-legged family members can get slapped with monthly dues too — it’s often called “pet rent,” and you may be faced with paying it. But should you? Typically, pet owners pay… read more →
You click through the photos. You download the floor plans. You drag your significant other to weekend open houses. You love looking at real estate. But you have yet to buy a home. You may be a renter for life. Below are 5 indications you may rent all of your… read more →
Are you shopping for a home but not sure if you’re ready to make an offer on a property that’s caught your eye? Some home sellers may be willing to let you spend a night or two at the property so you can feel confident with making an offer. You… read more →
Home sales have finally begun to slow after a red-hot summer that saw prices soaring so quickly that some began to worry about the return of a housing bubble. But despite the recent housing gains, the country’s homeownership rate has continued to fall. Just 65 percent of households in the… read more →
Buying and selling property is a specialized market where industry professionals often speak a language not everyone outside the industry understands. You can pick up most of the terminology you need as you go, but establishing a solid foundation for your learning is important. If you can learn the top… read more →